Boys soccer: Goalkeeper does it all for Newark Memorial

NEWARK -- Goalkeeper Luke Lombana of the Newark Memorial High boys soccer team played a huge role in helping the Cougars advance to the second round of the North Coast Section Division I playoffs.

The No. 8 seed Cougars finished in a 1-1 draw with No. 9 San Leandro and advanced 5-4 on penalty kicks thanks to the junior in net.

Not only did Lombana score Newark's fifth penalty kick, but he stopped the Pirates' final attempt twice. It was ruled he came off his line too early the first time, but stopped it again the second time.

Newark Memorial will play at No. 1 De La Salle on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Spartans beat No. 16 Freedom 2-0.

"I asked the coach if I could step up and take the kick and I was able to put it away," Lombana said. "Stopping that last shot was one of the best feelings I've had. The team came up big for me, so I wanted to come up big for them."

The Cougars (16-4-4) were able to force overtime, then eventually penalties, after Anthony Zamora scored in the 70th minute to tie the game. Jesus Enriquez made a perfect pass to Zamora who finished his run perfectly.

San Leandro (13-5-4) went on top after 65 minutes of scoreless play when Luis Roman was cool in the penalty area, finishing after Ivan Flores free kick floated to him in the box.